Drawing Seeing

Positive & Negative Space

 

Student drawing by Shannon highlighting positive and negative space, pencil on paper, figure or still life with the negative space actively shaded or emphasized
Diagram or example image illustrating positive and negative shape relationships in a composition, with contrasting areas making both figure and ground read as active shapes
Student drawing by Jacob highlighting positive and negative space, the negative areas around the subject given equal visual weight to the positive forms

Above: Student work highlighting Positive and Negative space

Photograph of a leaf found on the sidewalk, its complex silhouette creating an interesting interplay of positive form and negative holes and spaces

Above: A leaf found on the sidewalk

Shigeo Fukuda, optical illusion print, positive and negative shapes that read alternately as two different subjects depending on which area is perceived as figure or ground
M.C. Escher, tessellation print with interlocking bird and fish shapes where positive and negative space continuously trade roles across the composition
M.C. Escher, interlocking horse tessellation, white and black horses forming a seamless pattern where each positive shape creates the negative space for another

Above left: Shigeo Fukuda / Above middle and right: M.C. Escher

Student final composition by Brandon where negative space was emphasized, the ground areas shaped and weighted to create a dynamic overall design

Above: A final student composition where negative space was emphasized.

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